I would reach out to the student, privately, in regards to the frustration the student is obviously feeling about the course.
The comments are not germain to the discussion.
I would try to find ways to decrease the frustration, build confidence and offer assistance to get the student back on track.
If unsuccessful, I would find other staff to assist the subject...tech support, advising, tutors...anything to assist the student in finding a successful path.
I would address this student in a private e-mail or phone call and ask what the specific issues are and try to detail a plan to address them. If this was posted on the discussion board, it may just be a way to direct discussion away from the topic. I would have to have a direct conversation with the learner to decipher the true problem.
Mr. Brown & thread:
Considering the posts to the discussion by Learner 1 to other learners, the first thing that I would do is contact the student. Clearly, the student has encountered a challenge (they may not feel up to par in comparison to everyone else, or may feel insecure about venturing into the online learning environment). There could be multiple issues as to why the student may react in this manner.
I have had a couple of comments that are similar to this and the first thing that I do is to re-assure the learner--everyone has a different starting point when it comes to their education (i.e. I have a range of students who already possess a Bachelor's and want a change of career to those learners that have been out of school for decades). The starting point differs in everyone and this would be emphasized to the learner. Another note would be the differences in experiences that are very valuable in an online classroom (adults depend on their previous experiences to apply new skills, so this would also be discussed). The strongest point/strategy that would be made is letting the student know that you recognize and value their point--and provide the motivation to change their form of thinking to more conducive thoughts that will enable their academic success. This can be done through instructor availability -- making oneself available to the learner.
Cheers
Su Yen
The first thing that I would do is to e-mail the learner 1 and ask that person why he/she feels that way. What is it that makes this person feel that he/she feels that success is not possible. Also, I would make sure that my hours are known, and remind him/her that I am open to all questions and concerns and I am available. I might also pose specific tips and questions based on what I see in the work that this student submits, if I have that available.
Learner 1 shows that they have the drive to improve, both from having the "dream from many years" as well as the obvious envy through replies. I would make contact with the student to show that they are noticed and offer encouragement. Additionally I would identify the areas where the student needed help and try to find a solution.
I have had many students like this. I usually begin with simple advice. First, don't assume that you have to have all the ANSWERS to these questions. Oftentimes the best posts to the discussion forums are QUESTIONS, not answers, so if you are not understanding, try to pinpoint WHAT you don't understand and ask a question about it. Second, discussion forums are about DISCUSSION, so enter into the fray, expecting to TALK ABOUT the issues, not to appear as the expert on the topic.
There is, of course, much more that can be said, but this gives a starting point. I simply want my students to participate, and whatever it takes to get THAT is what I will usually do.
Prof John
As others have stated, I would reach out to the student off-line. However, I would gather some facts first--sometimes students make statements like "I can't see me passing..." when in fact they are doing quite well. I would want to identify what this student's strengths and weaknesses are and what support is available. Most schools have a range of services that might help. The student also needs to be willing to do his/her part in the development of a plan for success.
Well-prepared web resources can be provided online, but asynchronous counseling assistance is required as well, particularly for students who are having trouble. An online environment is one in which students can easily “fall through the cracks†if assistance is not readily available. From time to time, a student may need someone outside the class to assist in keeping a positive outlook and determining if an intervention is needed. Students need to know that help is there if they need it. The institution should provide this resource and all institutional staff should be trained to identify when a student might benefit from a session with a counselor. It is important to remember, however, that while referrals can be made, the decision to pursue them belongs to the student.
I would contact the learner and find out where they are having the most trouble. I would work with them one on one helping them get more comfortable in the subject matter. I would remind them of why they choose this program and what they wish to accomplish.
Herbert,
Sometimes the best way to relate to my students is to let them know I understand.
For comment #1, I would tell the student how freaked out I was the first time I was in this class and how I posted my assignment in the wrong place. Hey at least you know your way around the class. You do have that edge !
For comment #2: Student, I read your comment about X and have never had a student come up with such a unique perspective on this topic. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective ! We are all learning from each other and this week we sure learned from your personal experience that you shared.
For comment #3 Student name, many studets get overwhelmed at this point in the class. Sometimes the topic of X can be a bit confusing. I did see that you did very well on... So hang in there -
Next assignment/lesson is on .... and I am really looking forward to reading your work on this topic. Let me know if you have any questions or need some support, ok ? :)
Lauree Lee
Rebecca,
I really like how you suggest that you will redirect her complaints to a more positive way and redirect her back to the learning.
Herbert Brown III
I would send a personal email to the learner and note that I noticed she expressed some frustration in her responses to other students about her ability to do well in the course. I would assure her that I was available to help her be successful, and ask her to address something specific that has to do with the discussion. For example, I might direct the learner to a specific page in our text that relates to the discussion and quote a passage. Then I might say, "Based on this passage, what do you think? Post your response in the discussion forum, and let's see what responses you get."
Directing her back toward the actual learning would help take her away from her whining (which is what this is) and back on the objectives of the course. That would build her esteem and help her overcome the tendency to be defeatist.
Rebecca
I would send a personal email to each Learner individually to remind them that I am available for one-on-one assistance. I would also follow-up with a phone call within 24 hours if they had not contacted me for additional help. Sometimes I find that just by talking things out on the phone the Learners get in a better “head spaceâ€. ~Audrey Thomas
Dear learner,
Please tell me in a privat e-mail what are the things you do not understand in this course.
Well, this is a type of learner that should be categorized as "at risk." Comments that the course is difficult and inability to grasp the course concept are evidences that the student has not taken advantage of available resources provided. I will support this learner by first getting him/her started in finding resources for the course. I will also find out the area of the discussion topic or assignment the student is experiencing difficulty. Clarifying assignment questions can be important in redirecting the student to the right track.
First I would contact this student personally by email to get some direct communications. Email:
Hi Learner 1,
It appears to me that you may be having some difficulty with my online course.
Your success in this course is important me and I am 100% behind you. There are number of things you can do to help you get thru this course.
I am always available by phone or email to discuss any phase of this course and you can always get some "one on one" help at your campus.
Please contact me so that we can discuss a plan for you to succeed in this course
If no response .... I would call this student to encourage and get some dialogue going.
If neither of these actions work, I would contact their campus director to get involved.
The first thing I would do is to reach out to Learner 1 privately, indicating that I saw their posts to other students and to let them know that I am here to help them get through the course. I would then take the chance to address each of their posts.
Using bullets, I would respond this way:
You mentioned to Learner 2 that you believed the course was difficult and you didn't get the concept. First, you are not going to fail the course and I am here to assist you in any way possible. I will walk you through everything you need to be successful. What concepts don't you understand that I can help you with?
You mentioned to Learner 3 that you don't have these same ideas. Sure you do! Let's talk about which ones you should be using!
You menioned to Learner 4 that you feel overwhelmed by everything. I have full confidence in your abilities and that you will complete the course completely. Tell you what, let's talk aboui it by chat or phone.
After using these bullets to respond, I would probably ask the student to either chat online, call me or provide my phone number so that we could talk. There seems to be a great deal of apprehension and I want to talk them through it as best as I can. Finally, it seems as though the student is struggling with self-esteem and I want to help them build their confidence.
Scott
It is not about comparing oneself to others in the course. It is about being effective in learning the material. I would suggest some research sources that could be used in developing a response to the DB topic. Research=information=knowledge=a substantive post to be shared with the class.
I would convey this either in a private note to the student or as a general principle to the entire class.
I agree with much of what has already been discussed in this topic. Reaching out to the student privately is key, as is reminding students that responses need to advance the discussion and not be personal. I have a "Chit-Chat" forum in which students can share personal and informal thoughts, but all discussions centered around course content need to be professional, analytic, and focused on increasing content knowledge.
In my private email to the student, I would encourage them to call me or set up a Skype session; I think calling them might be seen as too invasive (do others disagree, and find this technique effective?). I would share my past struggles with education, and my status as a "quiet" learner who never says anything in class, feels overwhelmed, and feels as if everyone else is smarter. Yet, I've persevered and am just finishing my PhD, not through brains, but through continued hard work. I would share specific techniques with my student, both personal and work-related, to make sure this student persists in following his/her dream.
I also balance everything in the course, grade-wise: discussions 30%, papers 40%, final project 30%, etc. This way, if a student is particularly week at discussions, it won't necessarily mean that they fail my course. They can make up for it by being strong in other areas to which they are better suited.
Agree with Lyn and Janis' post. L1 is not advancing the conversation. There's no evidence of what obstacles are preventing success. Engage privately, determine what the barriers are, and steer the student into practical questions and postings.
